President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the country is “80 percent” closer to achieving universal health care for all Filipinos, citing progress in building a system for accessible, affordable, and quality medical services.

Marcos visited Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Balanga, Bataan, to assess the implementation of the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program.

“I’m very happy that we are instituting this program. I think it’s been a long time coming. We are very close to achieving universal health care. We are 80 percent of the way. Just a little more and we will achieve universal health care,” Marcos told reporters after the hospital visit.

He said zero balance billing is now implemented in 78 government-run hospitals, adding that around 2,976 patients from Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center are already benefiting from the program.

He also lauded the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center for the successful implementation of zero balance billing by ensuring that patients are discharged without having to pay out of pocket.

“When the patient is about to be discharged, zero billing is delivered to them — another added convenience which I think we should adopt all around the country,” Marcos said.

“I’m very glad that we’re able to do this. It’s really a big deal. Many people are going to the hospital now,” he added.

Marcos said he is committed to fulfilling his aspiration for a successful universal health care system.

He also assured health care workers of continued government support.

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“This is the system we are building for health care in the Philippines. Let’s continue this. My aspiration is to achieve the dream of universal health care for all our people,” Marcos said.

“It’s just a question of building up the economy so we can afford it, number one, and putting in the systems. The systems are all in place.” Under the ZBB Program, all members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. admitted to basic or ward accommodations in Department of Health hospitals will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for their hospitalization.

Philippines nears universal healthcare, 80% goal achieved -- Marcos